Why This Must Be Read: I want to cry with how much I wish this were what the final script for “The Avengers: Age of Ultron” looked like. The author keeps most of what worked in the movie—the one-liners, certain characterizations, the needed tie-ins to other parts of the franchise—and completely ditches what didn’t (oh god so much). The result is a reimagining of the film that makes sense of Ultron’s animosity, maintains the twins’ comic-book heritage (yes, even sans Magneto), and gives one Black Widow an in-character romantic subplot.

Why This Must Be Read: This story makes haunting, blunt work of Clint’s mental recovery—and how it affects his working relationship with Natasha—following Loki’s invasion of his mind. The results aren’t the lightest reading you’ll find (at least, not until the mature content starts…) but they are very, very worth your while.

Why This Must Be Read: Though this WWII AU fic definitely has its ships (one of which is f/f, fyi, in case that’s not your thing), it’s much more interested in the lives of the women at its center and how they’ve found their ways into the war and code-breaking at Bletchley Park. And you’ll be so glad of it; their exploration is beautifully delicate and well-woven.

Why This Must Be Read: This character study of Natasha uses color in unsubtle yet strong ways to express how she sees herself in the world, at the times when she simply gets to be herself, often with Clint in tow.

Why This Must Be Read: Domestic Avengers are everyone’s favorite Avengers, right? This fic has ‘em in spaces, as various members of the team discover why Clint and Natasha file joint taxes (among other things).

Why This Must Be Read: Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch, this fic is so smoking hot, and by the time you get to the line, “If you want to do it, it should probably be now,” you’ll understand why the author has got you practically begging alongside Clint.

Why This Must Be Read: Remember how awesome domestic!Avengers fics are? This one rises to new levels, taking loose inspiration from “The Office” (yes, there’s jello) and diving with gusto into these delightful slices of life. (There’s one not-graphic-at-all slash scene, FYI, in case you want to avoid that.)

Why This Must Be Read: As a member of the Chosen People myself, I’m a bit of a sucker for “character is Jewish” fics, but believe me when I say that this is a particularly good one—the author weaves together the details of Clint's rediscovering his roots into his post-Loki recovery and his relationship with Natasha beautifully.